Always follow your doctor's advice, and the instructions that come with your medicine.
Dosage and strength
The dose of candesartan you take depends on why you need the medicine. Take it as your doctor tells you.
The tablets come in strengths of 2mg, 4mg, 8mg, 16mg and 32mg.
For adults, the usual dose is:
- high blood pressure – 8mg to 32mg once a day
- heart failure – 4mg to 32mg once a day
In people with liver or kidney problems, the dose may be lower.
For children (aged 6 years and over), the usual dose to treat high blood pressure is:
- for children weighing less than 50kg, 4mg to 8mg once a day
- for children weighing 50kg or more, 4mg to 16mg once a day
How to take it
You'll usually take candesartan tablets once a day. You can take your candesartan tablet at any time of day, but try to take it at the same time every day.
You can take candesartan tablets with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.
Changes to your dose
You will start on a low dose of candesartan. After a few weeks your doctor will check your blood pressure and ask you if you're getting any side effects. You may also have blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working and the amount of potassium in your blood. Your doctor will then decide whether to change your dose of candesartan.
If candesartan does not get your blood pressure down, your doctor may want to increase the dose.
If your blood pressure gets too low or you get side effects, your doctor may want to lower your candesartan dose.
Important
Take candesartan even if you feel well, as you will still be getting the benefits of the medicine.
How long to take it for
Usually, treatment with candesartan is long term, even for the rest of your life.
If you get ill while taking it
If you get severe diarrhoea or vomiting for any reason, contact your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.
They may recommend that you stop taking candesartan until you're better and you're able to eat and drink normally again.
If you forget to take it
If you miss a dose of candesartan, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time.
Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
An overdose of candesartan can cause low blood pressure and dizziness.
The amount of candesartan that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you've taken more than your prescribed dose of candesartan
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111
Immediate action required: Go to A&E now if:
- you've taken more than your prescribed dose of candesartan and you feel dizzy or unwell
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the candesartan packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.